asked the Minister of Food why Australian Sturmer Pippins are allowed to be sold at 1s. 4d. a lb., when English-grown apples must be sold at 8d. a lb.; and how the price to the English grower compares with that received by the Australian importer.

The hon. Member has, I am afraid, been misinformed. No apples imported from Australia may be sold legally at as much as 1s. 4d. per lb. All apples, whether home grown or imported, coming within the same categories, bear the same maximum controlled prices. The Ministry of Food buys the fruit f.o.b. Australian port.